JANUARY 2013 - HB&EC AERO CLUB

Airborne Airborne Airborne Airborne
JANUARY 2013
NEWSLETTER
In this Issue
Regional Rally
President’s Report
CFI’s Report
Club Captain’s Report
Nearby at the Aerodrome
Quiz Answers
From the Light Side
Beach Landing in ZOD
Obscure Airport Signs of the World
Old Boy Visits Bridge Pa
Contact List
The Newsletter of the
Hawke’s Bay and East Coast Aero Club Inc
The Hastings Newsletter Aerodrome of the
Hawke’s Bay Bridge and Pa, East P O Coast Box 2199 Aero Club Inc
Hastings, Hastings New Aerodrome Zealand
Bridge Telephone Pa, P 06 O 879 Box 8466 2199
Hastings, Fax 06 New 879 9805 Zealand
Email: Telephone info@aerohb.co.nz
06 879 8466
Website: Fax www.HBECAC.co.nz
06 879 9805
Email: info@aerohb.co.nz
Website: www.HBECAC.co.nz

PRESIDENT’S PRESIDENT’S REPORT
REPORT
What superb flying weather. The farmers must hate it but flying past Mt Erin at 7.30pm last night with the hills
scorched brown against a blue sky and the myriad valleys in partial shadow and 25 degrees outside that was just
magic scenery and flying. It is a great time of year for evening flights when it is cooler and calm. Take a Club
aircraft out for an evening scenic.
Well the Club has a new aircraft. A 2006 C172S ZK-JSD. Just 400 hours or so total time with a Garmin 1000
cockpit, in mint condition. We had two drivers for this acquisition. Having a second glass cockpit C172S identical
to our existing JMR certainly has operational benefits for our subsidiary company Air HB Ltd and the academy
flying. The company has had a good financial result this year and is on the right track with recent years
restructuring so it was the right time for the Club to invest in the next aircraft. Also as the next stage of the long
term fleet upgrade strategy we want to work towards lowering the average age of the four seater fleet in terms of
airframe hours. So the idea was to bring 400 hour JSD on line for Club members and look at selling one of our
two older four seaters FQQ (13000 hours) or JKA (5800 hours). There is no rush on this so we want to talk to
members and see what everyones thoughts are re the two aircraft. This is all being done whilst staying
comfortably under our Strategic Plan debt limits. Proceeds from selling an aircraft will keep us on track to our
goal of reducing our debt to zero over the next few years.
CAA continues to keep us busy. Fresh from submitting on the proposed rule rewrite for Part 139 Aerodromes we
have just submitted a Club response for another NPRM on Part 61 Pilot Licences and Ratings. We don’t see this
rewrite achieving much except adding some more costs onto pilots – an additional exam and associated fee for
student PPL’s by splitting one of the existing exams into two, making an Aerobatic Rating a prime rating issued
by CAA (for a fee) and an additional flight test/review (time and $) for some D Cat instructors. There are a few
other niggles in there too like raising the exam pass mark from 70% to 75%. The FlyingNZ Instructors Council
has put in a good submission. We will see what happens.
Runway Lights. Our venerable runway lighting system is a light down after a mower collision and we have run
out of spare light fixture parts. Some will remember when the system first went in in the 1970’s and it was an old
second hand unit then – 1940’s vintage. It still works well but we have to be able to maintain and replace the
fixtures and fittings. We are working on the problem and looking at a variety of options for a long term fix. We
don’t know the price yet. But we might bundle it with a couple of other runway improvements and seek outside
funding. David Walker has been working on a Pilot Activated Lighting system for the runway lighting and we have
quotes in for extending the 01 seal holding point to the east and away from the 01 grass runway.
Aerodrome Noise Map. Hastings District Council are in the thick of their 10 yearly review of the noise section of
the District Plan. This covers everything from frost fan noise to farming machinery to traffic noise to factories to
airfields. We have submitted our aerodrome noise contour map and report and it has been through initial Council
review. This year the draft Council review of the noise section will go out to public consultation. As part of this the
area neighbours of the aerodrome will be contacted by Council for their input. Consultation will probably take the
better part of the year with any final noise map for the aerodrome being introduced in 2014. At least that is the
projected timetable. It is a long process but once it is in the plan alongside our existing runway height protection
fans the aerodrome will be better protected against encroaching development and noise complaints. It is good
timing and topical for the Hastings Council as Napier airport (partly owned by Hastings DC) is currently going
through the same process introducing a similar noise map into the Napier District Plan to protect their long term
operations.
Hangar Update. You will see the current crop of hangars nearing completion along the McNicol taxiway with
Martin Bothmas hangar completed and Peter Nunn’s and Oscar Cohen’s two hangars under construction. This
leave just Joe Faram’s hangar next to the Jet to be finalised and commenced. All of which pretty much fills the
existing sites and we need to expedite the opening up of the North East paddock. This is a Committee priority
with future hangar design templates and layout being worked on now. The hangar leases are a great steady
source of revenue and new members for the Club.
Good luck to our team heading to Motueka for the Nationals at the end of February. I think there will be a
sizeable crew of supporters heading that way too and enjoying some South Island flying.
Happy aviating . . . .
Bruce Govenlock

Hello all . . .
CFI’S REPORT
Happy New Year everyone, and welcome to another year of flying.
CLUB FLYING
The new year began slowly, probably because of holidays etc, but slowly improved until the
really hot weather arrived. This combined with the dry weather caused very uncomfortable
thermal turbulence to develop from late morning resulting in the cancellation of some flying in
the afternoons.
The recent club trip to the beach (with no name) was not well supported, resulting in one club
aircraft attending. Those who did attend enjoyed a pleasant lunch and afternoon.
The session last weekend to introduce the new C172 G1000 aircraft JSD was also not well
supported, but the members who came enjoyed their experience in the simulator and the new
aircraft. A package is being put together for all club members wishing to be checked out on the
new aircraft. This will include time in the Frasca G1000 simulator.
I would like to thank Esther Harrington for giving members a run through of the systems and the
operation of the equipment for VFR flight.
CAA CHARGES
As I mentioned last month, most of the publicity appears to have died down, but members
should be aware that when your next medical is due, you will have to pay CAA $313 for the
privilege of going to your Medical assessor and paying another $300+ for your medical.
This is,. I believe extortion, as you have to pay the CAA fee before an assessor will do your
medical. I would suggest that you lobby your MP. It may not do any good, but you never know.
It is probably better than doing nothing.
NATIONALS
By the time the next newsletter is published the National’s for this year will be over, and there
will be a host of new champions. I wish our team the best of luck.
Safe and enjoyable flying.
Max Dixon

CLUB CAPTAIN’S
REPORT
What’s to report? Always hard after a holiday break to link up with what was happening at the end of the
year. One thing we did that wasn’t really completed and signed off was the “mystery tour” which wasn’t such
a mystery. The idea was to use visual clues that carried you along a river or two answering a few questions
along the way.
The route was interesting to fly, following the Ngaruroro river starting at the southern end of Roys Hill, up as
far as Pigsty Flat, veering left at the Poporangi Stream – Ohara Stream, following along Mangelton Rd
through the valley between the Wakarara and Ruahine ranges. Over a patch of forest to reach the Makaroro
river. This incidentially is the site of the proposed Ruataniwha plains water storage reservoir and dam. It
then meandered down the Makaroro till it joined with the Waipawa river past Rob Wilson place and Wendy
Milnes place and into Waipawa itself.
Through Waipawa the river joins the Tukutuki leading the way to past Te Mata peak a bit to John Hollands
place. From there a westerly turn for home over top of Jim Frogley’s. Duration – about 45 -50 minutes.
The answers to the on route quiz are later in the newletter.
The route is a fun to fly as a scenic. There are heaps of airstrips along the way to look out for and the rivers
themselves provide a pretty landscape. Probably best not to fly it in a westerly near the hills- might get a bit
rough.
Check out the website below. Zoom in on the airfield and follow the route. You can use the slide bar on the
top right of the map to layer in terrain v’s map view (changes the transparency of the terrain view).
http://www.topomap.co.nz/
The beach trip last Sunday was a treat. Very much enjoyed the joint fly in with Waipuk. Only a couple of
brave punters went swimming – and pronounced it wasn’t at all cold . . . . The colourful line up of aircraft
provided some pretty photo ops. All that was left on the beach signalling the 14 aircraft that had landed were
tracks in the sand and a couple of drift wood sculptures erected by the kids.
Thanks to Ross for taking care of us and making sure we listened to and understood the briefing and to
Richard for being the test plane – creating the tyre tracks on the beach strip to guide us in. Smooth as silk.
See the photos.
Sundays après beach Carrier Landing back at Bridge Pa
The ship: USS Nimitz
Flight deck: 237m long 76m wide
The landings:
Glider XS (Graham White) – made the deck and the first arrester hook.
FTQ (Mads)- take off – 100m to spare. Landing used less than half the deck and first arrester hook (two
landings).
BTX (Bruce) - 27m for take off and 50m to land (several landings practising for STOL).
CWA (John)- Made the take off using the full length of the deck, waved off first landing , landed on second
and third attempts at first arrestor hook.
BRO (Bruce) -Plenty of spare deck on take off and landed first arrestor hook.
BPM (Nick Pearson)- went off the end of deck and into the sea.
BMY (Jan) -Easy off the deck with plenty room to spare. Landed at first arrestor hook (two landings).
VGR (Hamish) -No problem taking off encountered crosswind on landing – missed the hook and ended up
in the drink . . . . fished him out – made it on the deck second attempt but failed to get first arrestor hook.
Waipuk came in for dinner:
CRT (Richard) – Carrier pitched suddenly in big sea and CRT landed low into the stern end of the carrier.
CHB (Wendy)- landed first arrestor hook.
EWA (Theresa)- Flew in to the stern end of carrier (rough seas) .

Carrier rating issued to:
Graham White, Mads Slivsgaard, Bruce Coulter, John Managh, Bruce Govenlock, Jan Chisum, Wendy Milne,
. . . . and OK one for Hamish Ross.
Nationals 21st to 23rd February
The Motueka FlyingNZ nationals are nearly here and the team is hoping to do well this year and is training
hard to achieve that goal.
Motueka is a summer destination- nice beach – interesting surrounds. Why not take a trip down there, drop in
at the comps to cheer our people on (Thursday and Friday) and use days either side to go explore the
beaches and forests or fly to Nelson or Blenheim or over to the west coast?
ACHIEVEMENTS: Congratulations are in order to Mark Donnelly in attaining his PPL in December.
Chris Fookes soloed in December and Andrew Percy, Dominic Wilson, Martin Kirk and Halley Sims
soloed in January. Our international guest – Sebastian Tarnowski completed his microlight advanced pilots
certification with passenger rating also in December.
And to Sonny Soper and Erin Spencer on obtaining their CPL’s.
The microlight is busy. We are expecting another advanced pilots certification soon as well as two
intermediates looming large. Our newest student Cherie Sowman, is going great guns already getting into
circuit work.
A new year and a new aircraft added to the fleet
ZK JSD C 172 fitted with a Garmin1000. To help us get to grips with the G1000 – we’re making the G1000
simulator available to club members at no charge for the next few weekends. And . . . .
We’ve lowered the charge out rate for JMR and JSD to match that of JKA. All are now $205 solo and $220
dual – a pretty darnn good deal.
Don’t forget to make the most of the long summer evenings and calm cooler mornings. Beautiful up there in
the evenings for a scenic, followed by a late dinner and glass of wine. Book ahead so we don’t lock up too
early.
Early morning flights? Phone Nick Martin to organise if you would like some instruction while the air is cool
and calm. (JSD maybe.)
Kevin’s Friday night dinners are up and running. Last Friday was roast pork, minted new potatoes, fresh
summer salads and new seasons corn. Lively club rooms upstairs and on the deck. I notice now more are
making use of the picnic tables downstairs in the shade.
We’ll be highlighting more local wines in the bar over the next few months. Alpha Domus we know and enjoy
already. Look for wines from some of our other neighbours. Abbey Cellars, Ngatawara, Salvare, Unison, Ash
Ridge - to name a few.
See you out flying.
February Flying
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th
Try out the G100 Sim free of charge to club members.
Sunday 17 th
Turangi for lunch.
Thursday 21 st to Saturday 23 rd
FlyingNZ Nationals in Motueka.
Sunday 24 th
Welcome home the National’s team with a Club Day BBQ.

FEBRUARY DUTY PILOTS
9.30am – 1pm 1pm – 4.30pm
Saturday 2nd Dean Thompson (9-12) Terry Smith
Saturday 9th Wendy Milne Phil Gray
Saturday 16th Esther Harrington TBA
Saturday 23rd TBA TBA
NEARBY THE AERODROME
A look at the current crop of places to go near the field.
While the spreading sea of vineyard posts around the aerodrome is a tad daunting from the air there is
always a silver lining – at least the vines produce some nice wines and we have a few pleasant eateries not
too far from the airfield.
With the cycleway paved throughout the area now why not throw a couple of mountain bikes in the bike rack
for visitors or family members to launch an excursion into the surrounds, while waiting on flyers.
Anyway . . . .
NGATARAWA ROAD
Triangle Red
We did get excited about this place a couple of years back when they started up and were hot on wood fired
pizza’s and made up quite good platters. But their enthusiasm petered out. They were never open when we
came by and then they gave up on the pizzas and food and being open in general.
But they have revived to make a bit of an effort, opening over summer weekends for wine tasting and this
summer are offering a “pick your own components from the fridge” kind of platter. Rush Munro ice cream.
The wines are good, representing a collective of Bridge Pa – Syrah specialists, BushHawk Vineyards Pinot
Gris and Hawkes Ridge Wine Estate with Tempranillo, Pinot Noir , Semillon, Pinot Gris and Viognier.
Despite the on/off again opening times the venue is nice – tables on a leafy shady deck. Picnic here – or
amongst the vines if you happen upon them open.
They have bikes for hire.
19 October 2012 - 28 April 2013 Friday/Saturday/Sunday 11am - 5pm.
Ngatawara Stables
Down the long stately drive to the historic stables for wine and olive oil tastings. No café - but there are picnic
tables set up on the manicured lawn under the trees and alongside the lily pond.
Ngatawara wines – well known Alwyn, Glazebrook, Silks and Stables.
Hours: Every day from 10am till 5pm summer and 11am – 5pm in winter.
Salvare
A simple red barn building with a rustic feel. The open flag always out and welcoming. Taste their pleasant
wines, olive oils, vinaigrette, dukkah and mustards. Sit at the long table inside or out the back with the vines
with a pretty good platter of local fare to share. Very relaxed.
Summer: Monday to Sunday from 10.30am to 4.30pm
Winter: Thursday to Monday from 10.30am to 4.00pm. Tuesday & Wednesday from 10.30am to 3.00pm.

Highway 50
Trinity Hill
Slightly imposing winery door – a more formal feel to the place. Outdoor table areas with another pick your own
platter from the fridge type of deal. Can have live music – or sometimes more food choice over the summer.
The wines- well known: Meaty reds, Syrah, Merlot, Bordeaux style blends, Tempranillo. And an interesting range
of crafted whites.
Summer (November - Easter) 7 days: 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Winter (Easter - October) Wednesday to Saturday: 11.00 am – 4.00 pm. CLOSED - Sunday thru Tuesday.
Unison
Opened Unwined Café in December. Courtyard or indoor tables. Playground for kids. Really nice to have a full
café in the vicinity. We tried the platter for two. Couldn’t finish it. Homemade terrine and pate, prawns, salmon,
salami and prosciutto, cheeses, tapenade pesto, hummus, breads and crackers. They have a menu that covers
everything from poached eggs on toast to herb encrusted lamb with green beans and red wine reduction. Teas,
espresso, smoothies . . . .
Wine and ginger beer tasting. Known for their classic Bordeaux blends.
Summer: 9- 5 Sunday – Thursday inclusive you can Breakfast Lunch or Brunch.
Friday and Saturday 9am - late Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
On Fridays live music after work and the kitchen till 8pm. Booking is advisable for the evenings.
Ash Ridge
Back the other way along Highway 50 past Ngatarawa Rd a bit, on the left. Down a long limestone drive to the
tasting room and café in the middle of the vineyard. No frills – but a pleasant inexpensive café which will become
leafy given a couple of years growth on the fairly newly planted trees. Simple fare – dipping plates, antipasto or
cheese platters, panini and salads, cakes. A few toys and a sand pit for the kids, even marmite sandwiches.
Espresso. Juice, beer, wine. Hand crafted single estate wines. Their wines have won a few awards of late.
Bikes for hire (http://www.onyerbikehb.co.nz/) with a path through the vineyards ending up at Alpha Domus.
Opening Hours – 11am to 5pm, 7 days, from 15th September 2011 to the end of April 2012
Maraekakaho Road
Abbey Cellars
Just the other side of Bridge Pa Township, Abbey Cellars is built to be a go to cellar door. Concrete and iron –
wooden floors and sarking. Landscaped garden and decking, hardwood tables and umbrellas. On a clear day you
can sit outside with the vines in the foreground and blue mountain ranges on the horizon. And you get to see the
aerodrome aircraft in circuit.
Abbey Cellars serve a decent cheese platter, offer Rush Munro ice cream and not only do they make a good
range of wines, they make cider and have a micro-brewery on site. Yes – as with all the wineries you are free to
take your own picnic. A very pleasant place to while away a few hours on a summers day.
Alpha Domus
A little further along from Abbey Cellars and a winery our club knows very well. The bar stocks Alpha Domus and
Paul Ham is a member of the club.
Alpha Domus is a working cellar door with a small courtyard garden. You’ll be in amongst it with the sights and
aromas of wine production. Take your time sampling the wines and watching the operation or sit outside in the
shade and enjoy the day. NO eats available here – BYO.
Summer Hours
Open 7 days - 10.00am until 5.00pm (1 September to the first weekend in June).
Winter Hours
Closed.

Sileni Estates
A fair bit further down the road. Rather than cellar door they have a cellar store. Wine tasting plus a shop full
of gourmet foods and specialty gift items from the bay and beyond. They have a cheese larder with local and
imported products and always have some sort of food tasting going on along with the wine tasting. No café
on site these days but you can make up your own platter and picnic in the winery grounds. Worth a leisurely
visit.
Cellar Store Hours:
• Open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm during Summer (Oct - Apr)
• Open 5 days a week from 10am to 4pm during Winter (May - Sept)
• Open over Easter Weekend 10am - 5pm
• Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
Next Door to the Aerodrome
The Hastings Golf Club – Bunkers Café
Just a hop across the fence from the aero club. Breakfast, lunch and morning tea. Great selection of ready to
go’s from the cabinet or something more substantial. Nice coffee. Look out over the course.
Open 7 Days a week
Monday 9.00am to 1.30 pm
Tuesday—Saturday 9.00am to 6.00pm
Sunday 9.30am to 6.00pm
Take time to have a prowl around the neighbourhood next visit to the airfield.

Head off to the southern end of Roy’s Hill.
This large winery has been busy investing in HB.
Who is it? Nobilos
How many sets of tanks can you see? Seven
]
Follow the river upstream.
QUIZ QUIZ QUIZ ANSWERS ANSWERS
ANSWERS
Another winery on the left with spectacular views but no bottles on the supermarket shelves these days.
Name? Kemblefield
No cellar door but home of their sparkling in HB.
Which estate? Morton Estate
On the right bank what trees make up this large Matapiro orchard? Olive trees
Nice picnic spots down there beneath the cliff – up on the left the home of a famous aero club property developer
and Gliding Club CFI? James Forman
How many lots does he have up for sale? Six
Carry on
A fork in the river – take a left.
What’s on the fields on the left as you turn the bend? Centre Pivot irrigator
Bridges in the gorge along a bit on the left – how many? Two
Head about 210. Follow the road.
Kereru air strip on the right. Spot it?
Follow the road into the valley to the right of the low range.
What is the name of the range? Wakarara
Two groups of beehives a few miles apart on the left – set in little clearings on the cliff edge .
How many sets of hives in each group? Four and six
Heading south now.
Maybe time to climb a bit over a patch of tiger country.
How many airstrips have you passed in the valley? At least three
A stream crosses your path – turn left and follow it. See the airstrip across the other side on a hill top?
A couple of zig zags in the river and then
See Guavas strip on a real high hill top left.
Name the river we are following. Makaroro
On the left bank Rob Wilson’s home and back door strip. Nice gardens.
How many ponds at the top of the strip? Two
And the rivers name is now? Waipawa
Just down a bit a group of traditional red farm buildings – how many? Don’t forget the one nestled into the bush.
Four

Should be heading east now following the river for a bit. W’oops nearly missed that airfield.
Who lives here? Wendy Milne and Bruce Worsnop
Carry on past Highway 50 - no scones today.
What’s growing under the red and white canopy off to the right? Apples
Crazy ant canals in a paddock on the right .
What sport played here? Jet Sprinting
How many rows of power lines march across the land? Two
Two quarries on the left.
A lime quarry – how many levels? Four
Then this smaller one - a nice wine named after what they extract from here . . . .you can buy it at the club
bar.
What is it? Red metal
Civilisation at last.
How many rugby goal posts near the “dead centre” of town? eight
Who’s poo meets here? Waipukurau and Waipawa. Tukituki and Waipawa rivers.
Keep following the river.
How many spans on the bridge? Thirteen
Count the number of bends in the river till the next bridge. Four
What’s the name of the Pub here? Patangata
Carry on .
On the left – no Obama present – but what camp is this? Camp David
Follow the river – no shortcuts!
How many red ponds on the bend? five
Airstrip on the right – spot it? Right angle to the river with a shed at the top.
How many buildings at the bottom? Two
Keep on going . . . .
On the right – Daniel Boone
What is the cabin made from? Logs
Carry on.
On the right an airstrip that was used in the past for club trips.
What hazards can you identify on it? Drain
The old Van Asch house above is on the right
How many tennis courts has the fake tuscan villa further along. One
You’ll find this little T shed off to the right owned by an aero club member for a life time.
Who? John Holland
What is inside the shed? Aerocommander
Getting hungry? Head for home.
On the way – check out where the beaver is parked today.

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Over December 2012 and January of this year there have been just two club flights, being
Turangi during December and Taupo late January. Plans were made for other flights but they
just didn’t happen, perhaps it is just the hectic nature of this time of the year, or perhaps our
club captain is a bit slack. Elections are coming up; choose a new one.
But perhaps he could blame the gusty westerlies or the clagging out easterlies that have
prevailed, or too many non aviation visitors.
However, do read the account by Ian Sowman about his trip with the Waipukarau Club on their
beach landing day.
There have been a few other attempts at club flights, like the photo shoot with the cameraman
standing on Te Mata Peak. That didn’t work as the aircraft couldn’t get close enough due to
turbulence on the day, and of course aviation rules. And not to say there haven’t been lots of
individual adventures; some have had some really good flights away, and there has been lots
of local zooming around our part of paradise. Nothing wrong with that and it leaves TRD still a
mouthful ahead in the on going Bacon and Egg Pie competition.
It was interesting to hear on the radio when leaving on the Taupo flight, the two foreign
contingents, Brian Mackie and Ian Sowman dominating the Napier air waves and then Ken
McKee adding to it on the way to Wanganui. Yep, microlight aviation is alive and well in the
bay.
There are a few very extensive trips planned for February and March, so that will catch up for
the last few months. If you have any thoughts on some new adventures, let me know.
And it’s really good to see one of our more active microlight pilot/owner aiding and abetting his
daughter to learn to fly. Ian Sowman’s daughter Cherie is having instruction in the Tecnam THA
with Mads. I can see some squabbles coming up in Ian’s Zenair ZOD as to who is going to hold
the stick. Knowing Cherie I have laid my bet as to who will win.
And for breaking news, during February we have an opportunity to have Gyrate NZ bring one of
their gyrocopters to the “Pa” for the purpose of type ratings, trial flights, or just scenic flights.
Yes, type ratings. There is interest from some to get one of these machines for a bit of hooning
fun. A syndicate has even been suggested for a modern state of the art machine.
This will be on our invitation so can only happen if we can make it worthwhile them bringing
one from Tauranga. So if you have a hankering to either type rate, try one out, or just to tick a
box, ring me, Trevor (Club Captain), on 877 4899 or tdoig@xtra.co.nz
I went to their gyro weekend in Dannevirke. They seem like quite normal people and are
certainly enthusiastic about their machines. I even flew in one, lots of fun.
In February we are going to hold another photo shoot. This is an opportunity to have an “in air”
picture of you flying your plane with a nice backdrop. We did one a couple of years ago and I
got some really good pictures of my Tecnam. Perhaps some students would like a shot in THA.
I will keep you all informed of dates etc.
If you have been driving down the road by the private hangers you will have seen three new
hangers. Two of these are for microlights showing the growth in microlight aviation in Hawke’s
Bay. Indeed, it is the fastest growing segment of aviation in New Zealand. If you are still in any
doubt, check the hour meter on the Aero Club’s Tecnam Echo training microlight. I recon the
club will be on the lookout for another one in the not too distant future. Don’t forget, we are a
sociable bunch down in “microlight row” so if you see a door open poke your head in and say
“hello”. Often there is a cuppa brewing, join in.
Keep your eye on our website. microlight.org.nz Breaking news is the place for new stuff. If
you have some ideas for the site, or just new content, e-mail it in.
Trevor Doig
Club Captain

BEACH LANDING IN ZOD
by Ian Sowman
The idea behind the larger tyres on ZOD (Trevor says they are off a Euclid) was for strips,
beaches and 01 grass, so I was happy they were hanging beneath me as I set off on Sunday
with my daughter Cherie in the right hand seat to do a beach landing with the Waipukarau club.
We were the first to arrive for the 1030 briefing with Ross McDonald waiting for all to arrive. In
typical kiwi fashion we had the briefing after others had turned up, had a coffee and a chat,
more coffee more chatting etc. but as the low tide wasn't until 1330 we had plenty of time to get
organised.
The directions to the beach were a little vague but we did know what to look for when we
arrived, where to land and what to look out for. As luck would have it we arrived at the coast
about a mile too far south, but that put us in a good position to track north and let down over
the sea for a right hand downwind. It got a bit scary when I had to turn in toward the beach (and
the 200ft hills behind it) but as always the closer you get the easier it looks and the curved final
approach straightened out at 50 ft or so over the last of the rocks, airspeed coming back to mid
40s approaching the earlier arrivals tyre tracks and greased on nose (trike undercart) high for a
quicker stop then had to throttle up to quickly get to the end making way for those behind. What
a hoot! Cherie had been videoing this with a handycam from the left hand seat and it looked
great. As a new learner pilot (pre solo) Cherie really enjoyed the experience and the company
of other aviators, as well as the picnic lunch and a cold dip in the ocean.
The land yacht/blowcart on the beach when we were to depart was a bit of a worry but he saw
sense and kept off our bit of the beach when the time came to leave. We started up and
backtracked along the very smooth hard surface, a quick about turn, line up and rolling with the
wheels off quickly blasting past the parked planes while turning out. Then north to Hastings via
Waimarama, Ocean Beach and Te Mata peak; smooth all the way but I did tell Cherie to expect
some turbulence on the west side of the peak. It didn't disappoint us with a couple of really
good thumps and drops to demonstrate that lee side curl over still exists. Back at the Pa I
washed the underside while Cherie made me a coffee and also took the opportunity to sit her
first RAANZ written test.
Altogether a great day out, looking forward to doing it all again some day. Fun flying; that's
what the "light side" is all about. And I am glad I didn’t fit the toy size wheels Trevor has on his
Tecnam.

SOME PICS FROM THE CLUB TRIP TO THE “BEACH WITH NO NAME”
by Jerry Chishum
Jan took the Gipsy and the world famous Bill Charney flew Tiger BMY to YP and the beach, then he
flew the Gipsy back to Bridge Pa. We did some more landings to finish his type rating. Then we used
the boatie's salt water neutralising spray on the landing gear, leading edges and props plus a complete
wash-down and water flush of both birds. Great day but it sure would have been nicer to have a BBQ
and cold drinks on the beach. (note to self).

The two pics above thanks to Bruce Worsnop

Congratulations to Zane and Saffron
Riddell on their recent wedding

OBSCURE OBSCURE AIRPORT AIRPORT SIGNS SIGNS OF OF
OF
THE THE WORLD WORLD . . . . . . . .
.
Ever thought the trusty old Tomahawks struggle to get airborne at Bridge Pa on a hot summers
day? Try training here . . . . Los Alamos, New Mexico, high desert. Elevation 7150ft, one way strip,
1.5% gradient, 1829m sealed runway. On a 30C summer day with two on board? Density altitude
off the scale on the PA38 P charts. Hmmm might need all that runway. Luckily as you leave the
runway on the downhill eastern route you can plunge into a deep canyon to build up valuable
airspeed. You don’t have to worry about a circuit pattern. All departures are straight out 5 miles to
avoid overflying sensitive military installations. Home of Little Boy & Fatman the original atom
bombs. They still study nukes here with 11,000 people working at Los Alamos laboratory.
Taos airport – a mere 7091 ft elevation. One RV training in the circuit in the snow. And a V22
Osprey passing by on the day. A very odd looking aircraft.
Santa Fe airport – capital of New Mexico – very cool, adobe control tower!
We took these pulitzer prize winning shots over Christmas. The highest airport we drove by was
Angel Fire – 8379ft elevation with 2554m of seal. They probably needed all that tarmac mid
summer.
Bruce and Stephanie
Santa Fe Control Tower

Old Boy Visits Bridge Pa
by David Walker
During 2012 the newsletter presented a story from John Taylor on his flying history, which began
at Bridge Pa in 1979 as a High School boy. (I remember him from that time).
John was back on holiday, visiting his parents at Havelock North and asked if I would meet him at
the aerodrome some time . . . . so Sunday 20th January was the day.
He and I wandered around the aerodrome site and buildings, he was impressed with the changes
since his time at the aerodrome and also with the variety of aircraft on site (I think he was about
to steal Michael's Cub). He also remembered vividly the old two storied house and was able to
tell some stories about his time residing there. He met many modern day locals and had a chat
with them.
John will be going back to Scotland early in February where he flys for Ryan Air but I'm sure he
will be back with his family again another day.
Nice to have had you visit us John and I'm sure you will be an inspiration to today's youngsters
who are looking for a career in aviation . . . . it can start at Bridge Pa.
David Walker (left) and John Taylor

Do you fancy a type-rating in a gyrocopter?
Or maybe just a scenic jolly?
If we can rustle up the numbers, Gyrate NZ will bring one from Tauranga
to Bridge Pa for two or three days to conduct Trial Flights, Type Ratings,
or Scenic Flights sometime in February.
What we need now is expressions of interest from people interested in
coming to Bridge Pa airfield to have a go in one of these incredible fun
machines,
so I can make it worthwhile for them.
Price Guide: It costs $250 per hour, so a 20-minute trial or scenic flight
would set you back about $80.
A rating will take about five hours for an existing pilot,
making about $1500.
(This of course depends on the calibre of the student.)
Contact Trevor Doig on 877 4899 - 027 444 0336 - tdoig@xtra.co.nz
Come on, it should be a lot of fun and will tick another box.
You might even want to take it up.

PATRON
Contact List
PRESIDENT Bruce Govenlock 06 879 8860
VICE PRESIDENT Gavin Grimmer 06 879 4950
SECRETARY Justine Fisher 06 879 8466
TREASURER Steve Shepherd 06 845 3002
CLUB CAPTAIN Stephanie Eilers 06 879 8860
VICE CLUB
CAPTAIN Mads Slivsgaard 027 511 7317
COMMITTEE Bruce Sutherland 877 6833
Grant Jarden 873 3225
Phillip Gray 06 871 0081
Jan White 06 879 9493
Frans Krause 021 027 80659
Glenn Riddell 06 879 4445
RNZAC CONTACTS Chris Rawlings (Cook Strait Rep and
Young Eagles Rep)
Max Dixon (Instructor Council)
YOUNG EAGLES Kieran White—kieranmwhite@live.com
CO-ORDINATORS Scott Hickey—scott@scotthickey.co.nz
or 021 767 957
CHIEF FLYING
INSTRUCTOR Max Dixon 06 879 6461
EDITOR Sue Dixon 06 879 6461
editor@hbecac.co.nz
MICROLIGHT TEAM
Chief Flying Instructor Max Dixon
Instructors Nick Martin
Mads Slivsgaard
Kieran White
Scott Hickey
Jerry Chishum
Chief Engineer Cliff Johnston